And they smiled upon him, quite maternally. And so the incident passed.
"How queer, not talking to a woman for three years!" continued Dolly reflectively.
"How awful it would be not to talk to a man for three years!" said Dilly, with obvious sincerity.
"There is little opportunity for social intercourse," said Robin, "to a man who comes to London to sink or swim."
The conversation was again taking a slightly sombre turn, and I struck in—
"Well, I hope, Mr Fordyce, that a few weeks' experience of my establishment won't have the effect of making you regret your previous celibate existence."
Dolly and Dilly looked at each other.
"Dolly," said Dilly, "is that an insult?"
"I think so."
"Insulting enough to be punishable?"